US Organic Group corp’s products carry the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) seals which have been certified as such and meet the USDA standards. Products that earn the USDA organic certification are grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, bio-engineering or ionizing radiation. In order to be labeled “organic,” the farm where the food is grown is certified to make certain the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or store must be certified, too.                                                 

How do I know if something is organic?

To know if your product is certified as organic, you should look for a small sticker with the USDA Organic Seal on the product or on the display of the product. Products with this seal must contain at least 95% organic products by weight to meet the specifications for being organic.

 

What does the USDA Organic seal mean?

The USDA Organic seal assures consumers of the quality and integrity of organic products. Organic-certified operations must have an organic system plan and records that verify compliance with that plan. Operators are inspected annually in addition there are random checks to assure standards are being met.

 

What’s the Difference Between Natural and Organic?

Only products labeled “organic” have been certified as meeting USDA organic standards. The term “natural” means that a product is basically free of artificial and synthetic ingredients.

 

Why does Organic cost more?

Organic products do not always cost more. However, there are some factors to be considered when the cost is higher:

– Organic farmers don’t receive federal subsidies like conventional farmers do. Therefore, the price of organic food reflects the true cost of growing.

– The price of conventional food does not reflect the cost of environmental cleanups that we pay for through our TAX dollars.

– Organic producer is more labor and management intensive.

– ORGANIC FARMS are usually smaller than conventional farms and so do not benefit from the economies of scale that larger growers get.

 

Get More Information

Learn more about the USDA organic standards at www.ams.usda.gov/nop or call the National Organic Program at 202-720-3252.
You can also write them at USDA-AMS-TM-NOP, Room 4008 S. Bldg., Ag Stop 0268, 1400 Independence, SW, Washington DC 20250.